Hertz Says 2024 Hack Exposed Some Customers' Driver License and Credit Card Data

Hertz, the global rental car giant, has issued a notice to its customers stating that a data hack in late 2024 may have exposed their personal information. The company revealed on April 2 that an analysis of the incident had found that the breach affected some customers' sensitive data.

The scope of the breach was extensive, revealing that it included birthdates, credit card and driver's license data, as well as information related to workers' compensation claims. In a more alarming turn of events, Hertz also confirmed that Social Security numbers, passport information, and Medicare or Medicaid IDs of "a very small number of individuals" may have been compromised.

However, the exact number of customers affected by the hack remains unknown. Hertz did not disclose how many of its customers were impacted, leaving some customers worried about their personal safety.

The Timeline of the Breach

A spokesperson for Hertz did not provide immediate clarification on the timeline of the breach. However, the company stated that the hackers accessed the information through systems operated by Cleo Communications, one of its software vendors.

Cleo Communications did not respond to a request for comment. The incident has left many customers wondering how they can protect themselves from potential identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

Hertz's Response

In response to the breach, Hertz took several steps to address the situation. Firstly, the company reported the breach to law enforcement agencies, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Additionally, Hertz is offering two years of free identity-monitoring services to customers affected by the breach. This move aims to provide affected individuals with peace of mind as they navigate this challenging time.

A Call for Action

"Hertz takes the privacy and security of personal information seriously," stated the company in a statement. "We are committed to protecting our customers' sensitive data and ensuring that our systems are secure."

In light of this breach, it is essential for consumers to take proactive measures to safeguard their personal information. This includes monitoring credit reports, keeping software up-to-date, and being cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks.

As the situation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and guidance on how individuals can protect themselves from potential data breaches like this one.